I graduated from high school in 1978. If you're doing the math that makes me 62. Technology wasn't part of my vocabulary. I knew how to work the stereo, radio, and a tape recorder. We had "AV' nerds in school that rolled in the overhead projector and pulled down the retractable screen over the chalkboard. It's impossible to forget the smell of a ditto sheet.

I got my first computer as a gift in the late 90's and had dial up service. Since my career was onstage, I really didn't need a computer, yet. In many of my first professional shows the performers weren't even amplified for sound with microphones. We used our "stage voices." Yup, we yelled.

It's obvious today that if you haven't kept up with technology, you are left behind. The only place you'll find a tape recorder is in a smart phone. Let me be clear, I do know the basics and have even learned how to 'self-tape' for auditions and send funny gifs (graphic interchange format). I reach out to my 23 year old nephew when I have to do anything other than send a headshot and resume for auditions. I've had a few gigs offstage that required me to learn certain programs, and I did ok. On applications asking if you are proficient in Windows, Powerpoint or Excel I checked yes. When I was hired for those desk gigs I was nauseous on the first day knowing I had no idea what to do with a computer. or those programs. I just planned on being "let go" within a couple days. Somehow I survived and had patient co-workers willing to teach. I loved them!

Today, I'm creating-- slowly creating--my online yoga website. Look, I'm writing a blog too!!! Typing and blogging is relatively easy-- so far.

As for the other components of a website, well, I don't know what the hell they're talking about most of the time. I have to google almost everything. SEO, metadata, embedding, cookies, png and the list goes on. My relationship with technology is toxic. I scream and swear at it every 5 minutes or so. It's not pretty. It's not "yogic" or patient or kind. I hate it, it hates me, it's destroying me.....until I create something. When this blog is finished, I'll feel so happy and proud and smart. You see that pic of the frustrated girl with her head in her hands? It took me about 20 minutes to find it, see if it was free, and then figure out how to attach it. I didn't even have to use a "how to" video on YouTube. Yeah, I'm a techy!

Technology is amazing and has the power to do so much good. My intention is to use it for good, to share, to educate, to connect, to learn. I just have to freakin' learn how to do it well. I will; I can; I am.

This blog has taken me over just under three hours. I have to decide when and if I will publish it. That may take me days. Thanks for your patience!

Peace, MJ